Complete Chronology

This section is continously being updated and corrected.

1851-1899

1851 January -- Original Corporate Charter of North-Western University is established. [1]

1853-4 -- NU strategy is to buy cheap farm land to resell at profit to the City to support NU. Methodist founders use political clout to gain advantageous legal rulings. First land purchase: 379 acres, $25,000. [2]

1854 -- Town plat is accepted by County. NU trustee & business agent Philo Judson begins selling lots. [2]

1855 -- Town is named Evanston, in honor of John Evans. First University building; classes begin with two faculty members & ten students. [3]

1855 February 14 -- “North-Western University” Trustees’ charter amendment to the Illinois legislature bars the sale & manufacture of all liquor within 4 miles of NU. 4^th clause: "That all property, of whatever kind or description, belonging to or owned by said corporation, shall be forever free from taxation for any and all purposes." Private Laws of 1855, p. 483. [1] and [4]

1857 -- Evanston formally splits off from Ridgeville Township. [4]

1863 -- University name is officially changed to Northwestern. [2]

1870-1874 -- Unnamed field (current site of Jacobs Center, Sheridan Rd.) is used for baseball & football grounds. By 1874: mostly intra-class football games. [5]

1875 -- County collector assesses NU for more than $10,000 in delinquent tax obligations ($233,000+ in 2019 dollars). IL Supreme Court sides with the county against NU. NU treasurer, T.C. Hoag: “The tax cases involve so much in the future that it is very important we leave nothing undone.” NU takes the case to the U.S. Supreme Court. [4]

1876 February -- First football game against Chicago Foot-Ball Club. [5]

1878 -- U.S. Supreme Court sides with NU in University v. People (re. property taxation). [6]

1879 October 23 -- NU Football Association is founded. [7]

1882 October -- First intercollegiate football game is played. [7]

1886 -- Football field moves to Campus Meadow (current site of Deering [Library] Meadow). NU home games on Campus Meadow until 1890. [5]

1891 -- Construction starts on "North Campus Field" stadium, [current site of Fraternity Quads]. No permanent grandstands or structures. [5]

1892 – NU declares purple as an official color. Before then the original colors were black and gold.

1892-1904 -- Stadium is renamed Sheppard Field. First permanent stands; capacity: 750-1,000 seats. Largest crowd: over 2,200; 1902 parking: $2.00 per spot. [5]

1895 -- Big Ten Conference is established. [8]

1903-1959

1903 -- IL Supreme Court exempts from taxation all NU property acquired prior to the 1855 amendment. [Re. 206 Ill. 64. Northwestern University v. Hanberg (1908), 237 Ill. 185, 188]. [1]

1905 -- Mr. William Dyche directs & funds construction of North-Western Field stadium on Central Street (1905-1925). Wooden stands’ capacity: 13,000; increased later to nearly 20,000. [5]

1908 – IL Supreme Court rejects the claim that the 1855 amendment to the charter did not apply to any property acquired by NU after the amendment (237 Ill. 188). [1]

1910 -- Patten Gymnasium is built: home of the basketball team; $310,000 contribution by Mr. Patten. [9] New Patten built in 1940. [Basketball team moves to McGaw Hall in 1952]. [12]

Early 1900 -- “The area of Dyche Stadium has not been agreeable with the residents of the City of Evanston since some time in the early 1900’s when it was originally conceived and there were wooden stands and the records of the City, which I can produce, show public hearings and citizens like us objecting”. [Archive; ZAC 15-10/3/74; William Strasser testimony, Evanston interdepartmental memo 4/3/1978]

1921 January 19 -- Zoning Ordinance: stadium area placed in Use District “A” Residence, and “C” Commercial; Area District: “A” and “C”; Height District 35 feet. [Archive; addendum Zoning Ordinances] “Provided however, that stadia, when owned, controlled and operated, for educational and athletic purposes, by universities or colleges devoted to the study of liberal arts and education, may be erected to a height of not to exceed eighty (80) feet when constructed fireproof etc.” [Archive; addendum Zoning Ordinances]

1924 – “First public announcement that the university was contemplating a new stadium was made at the annual Harvest home banquet in the Auditorium Hotel by Robert W. Campbell, president of Board of Trustee” [Archive: 1926 Football program]

1925 November 2 -- During the ZBA application proceeding to rebuild the stadium Mr. Dyche confirms, “this proposed stadium is for intercollegiate football”. He explains that the reason to build a stadium is for NU to be in the Big Ten, and to be competitive in intercollegiate sports. [Archive; ZBA 1925 excerpts]

1925 December 10 -- During deliberations of the proposed amendment of Section 567 of the 1921 Evanston code re. stadia height “not to exceed 80 feet, Horace Kent Penney on behalf of NU writes: “In my judgement...A stadium owned and controlled by a university and used by it for athletic contests is a structure which is entirely different from inhabited buildings, that it seems to me it could be well made a subject of an exception to the [1921 Height] ordinance.” [Archive; 1925 letter]

1925 December 15 -- Evanston Council adopts proposed amendment re. 80’ height. Section Sixth: Stadia...as to height in accordance and in conformity with existing or hereafter adopted ordinances of the City of Evanston.” Section 1 is also amended: “That Section 13 - - HEIGHT DISTRICT EXCEPTIONS....to regulate and limit the intensity of the use of lot areas. [Archive; addendum Zoning ordinances]

1926 -- New stadium is renamed Dyche Stadium. Capacity: 45,000. Cost: $1.425 million. When fundraising bonds were insufficient to cover the total cost, “More than $200,000 had to be ‘advanced from University Educational Funds,’ according to typewritten financial records from the time.” [10]

1927 February 15 -- New Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance places Dyche Stadium area into Use, Height and Area Districts – “A” and “C”. [Archive; addendum Zoning Ordinances] Dyche capacity 1927-1934: 47,000. [11]

1932 July 16 -- Women's US Olympic Trials for track & field. [11]

1934 -- NU property tax exemption’s has a role in the failed proposed merger between UChicago and NU: “thanks to rumors that UChicago was trying to pull itself off the tax rolls”. [4]

1940 March 25 -- New Comprehensive Zoning ordinance places Dyche Stadium area in the “A” single-Family Dwelling and “D” Multiple Family Dwelling Districts. [Archive; addendum Zoning Ordinances]

1943 – NU baseball at Wells Field (current site of Rocky Miller Park). [50]

1948 July 9-10 -- Men's US Olympic Trials for track & field. [11]

1949 -- Dyche Stadium is enlarged to seat 49,256. Temporary bleachers increase capacity to 55,000. [13]

1952 -- McGaw Memorial Hall is built: basketball team’s new home. Capacity: 9,500. [14]

1954 Aug 15-30 -- World Council of Churches (convocation address by Eisenhower) at MC Gaw. [15]

Early 50’s -- “Issue of whether professional sports & games of various sports could be played in Dyche Stadium...goes back into the early 50’s, when the old Chicago Cardinals wanted to play in Dyche’s Stadium”. [Archive; ZBA 9/21/1976, p.23 O’Meara testimony] NFL commissioner Bert Bell stops Violet (widow of Charles Bidwill, owner of the Chicago Cardinals) from transferring the team to Dyche Stadium. [16]

1954 December 20 -- IL Supreme Court, Bullock v. City of Evanston: Chief Justice Bristows opinion about the disputed property zoning issue near the stadium: “the use of the property for residential purposes was adversely affected by its location, being subjected to the unfavorable influence of Dyche stadium and the athletic field on the west.....these facilities [stadium & McGaw Hall] do tend to have some detrimental effect in that, on those occasions on which major events are held there is much congestion, noise and confusion”. [17]

1956 -- NCCA Final Four at McGaw Hall: 10,653 spectators. [18]

1958 -- 1958 -- Wells Field formally dedicated as an official NU baseball park. It’s not clear if the name Rocky Miller Park was applied at this time or later, in May of 1984. [Archive re. baseball] [50]

1959 -- The Cardinals managing director, Walter Wolfner wants Dyche Stadium for his team. George Halas blocks him, citing an old territorial agreement calling for the Bears to play on the North Side and the Cardinals on the South Side. [Archive; ZAC 15:10-3-74 Russell Johnson testimony; p. 3] [39]

1960- 1978

1960 -- New Evanston Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance places Dyche Stadium area in U1 & U2 University, and B2 Districts. [Archive; addendum Zoning Ordinances]

1960 -- McGaw Hall capacity: 8,800. [14]

1960 October -- NU Lakefill project is announced. NU’s property tax exemption plays a role since for NU it’s cheaper & politically easier to reshape nature itself than to buy land in Evanston” [29] See Addendum below

1961 May 1^st -- Dyche Stadium height variation is granted by City Council: Two 47’ additions to upper level of existing press box & erection of elevator tower. ‘ZBA” finds that the proposed addition would be merely an extension of the variation formerly granted...will not alter the essential character of the locality. [Archive; ZBA 15-61-A and Central Records of the Depts. of Inspections & Permits]

1961 November 10 -- Salvage operation for “laked” goal post. Jim Sheffield, NU’s Director of Operations describes the behavior of the football crowd: “The vandals were intoxicated, pushing 60-year old ushers and fighting with cops. Half the people had nothing to do with Northwestern. It makes me wonder what kind of crowd we’re attracting.” Ken Kraft, associate director of public affairs, “thought the goal post incident was ‘rather exciting.”...it was just natural enthusiasm bubbling over’.” [26] [Archive; Daily Northwestern]

1961-2 -- Byron S. Coon Sports Center’s construction. It features the largest outdoor ice rink in NU’s history. During the winter, NU floors over four of the newly constructed tennis courts and constructs a rink on top. [47]

1962 October 27 -- Largest crowd in Dyche Stadium: 55,752: NU vs Notre Dame. [50]

1964 -- Nash J. Dowdle, TX businessman & Chicago associates discuss with Evanston the feasibility of establishing the Brave Bulls pro football team. At the same time, this American Football Association approaches NU to use the Stadium. The Evanston Council of Churches, the Board of Commissioners of the North East Park District and NU president reject the attempts. NU president: “While such an arrangement would mean a substantial financial advantage to the university, we feel it would be offensive to our neighbors”. [Archive; ZAC 15:10-3-74 Johnson testimony; p. 3; Evanston Review 6/4/1964]

1964 June 29 -- NU president Dr. J Roscoe Miller, defends NU tax free status by recounting the outside efforts to make Dyche Stadium available to professional football games, and the substantial contributions to the NU athletic budget being held out as lure. NU, “in keeping with its fundamental objective to maintain Evanston’s unique character, rejected these inducements....has endeavored to be a good neighbor and a willing partner in what essentially has been a common undertaking to preserve the integrity of Evanston as a choice residential community...”. [Archive; Miller’statement]

1967 -- IL Circuit Court, NU v Dee-El Garage, Inc., holds the tax exemption void. NU appeals. Illinois Supreme Court reverses the Circuit Court judgement, and refers to “the university as an *136 incubus on the community”. [1]

1968 – Charity event tennis at McGaw Hall. 7,000 people, each of 2 nights. [Archive; ZBA 4/20/1971]

1969 September 8-11 -- Illegal Planters pro tennis tournament at McGaw Hall. Attendance: 3,000 the first 2 nights, 4,000 the next 2 nights. Rental paid to NU ca. $4,800 [ca. $34,000 in 2019]. [Archive; ZBA 4/20/1971]

1969 November 22 -- Inaugural board meeting of A&O. This NU student organization will sponsor events & concerts at NU venues, including McGaw Hall. [23]

1970 May 8 -- NU appeals for a variation from the regulations of the Zoning Ordinance to permit use of the stadium for commercial purposes (Bears Game). [Archive; ZBA 18-70-A; 1976 Evanston interdepartmental memo]

1970 June 16 -- On the date of the scheduled hearing, NU Counsel withdraws the May 8 application for the proposed variation. [Archive; Evanston interdepartmental memo 1976] NU Counsel letter “... delivered...on the day there was supposed to be a public hearing...states that City is not considered as pertinent and the laws do not pertain and there’s no necessity for having a hearing”. [Archive; ZAC member Reese testimony - 10/3/1974]

1970 July 1^st – The Evanston Chamber of Commerce suggests that the Chicago Bears home games be permanently scheduled at Dyche Stadium. The Chamber also wants to develop a convocation/convention center whose key structural change would be the installation of a dome over the Stadium, and hotel & restaurant facilities to accommodate center-related & university-related demands. [Archive; ZBA 9/21/76 p. 45; O’ Meara exhibits ZAC 3:5-6-76]

1970 July -- Cook Co. Circuit Court, case 70-CH-3080, Chicago Bears v the City of Evanston & Northwestern. The Bears seek a temporary & permanent injunction to prevent Evanston from enforcing its zoning ordinance to stop a 9/27/1970 professional football game in Dyche Stadium. [Archive; 1975 Circuit Court Memo in Opposition to Motion for judgement on the Pleadings; 1977 Appellate Court case]

1970 September 17-18 – Marriott pro-tennis tournament held at McGaw Hall. Attendance: 6,000 on 1^st day; 7,000 on 2^nd day. Amount of rental to NU: ca. $5,000 [ca. $31,000 in 2019]. Evanston sues NU in attempt to stop tournament. Case 70 CH 3673: premised on alleged violation of Vii. B.U2(a). Complaint subsequently dismissed by agreement & without prejudice. [Archive; ZBA 4/20/1971; 1975 & 1976 Circuit Court docs]

1970 September 27-- Bears vs Philadelphia Eagles at Dyche Stadium. “A predecessor provision... forbade use of a stadium for commercial purposes was in effect”. NU & Chicago Bears Football Club reach an agreement for the Bears to play the 1970 game. “Fearing difficulties because of the zoning provision, the Bears brought suit against Northwestern and Evanston”. The Chicago Bears’ attorney uses the previous tennis events at McGaw Hall as evidence for his case in obtaining the August temporary injunction from the Cook Co. Court to allow the game to be played. “Appeal of that order was dismissed as moot because the game had already taken place”. [Archive] [20]

1971 -- Evanston council enacts zoning ordinance prohibiting pro sports on NU property, after city residents’ complaints about crowd noise & traffic jams following the 1970 Bears game at Dyche Stadium. Mr. Burden, resident & St. Athanasius spokesman, “the impact of 55,000 people...was such that the 11:15 and 12:30 religious services were virtually deserted. People could not come, nor go, and if this condition were to be a permanent one, our use of our facility would be seriously restricted. Most likely we would just simply have to abandon the use of our religious service at that time”. [Archive; ZAC 9/21/76]

1971 February – The Bears and NU enter into 5-year lease, $2.2 million boon to NU, to hold all regular season games at Dyche. Big TEN Conference stops the plan, because the Bear’s lease overlaps NU’s season. [21]

1971 February -- Evanston sues NU to stop a scheduled professional tennis match. Complaint dismissed by agreement & without prejudice [Case 71 L 1463]. Match played in March 26-28. [Archive: Circuit Court 1976]

1971 March 14 -- Lester Crown, member of NU Board of Trustees states at their meeting at Chancellor’s Miller’s home: “if we don’t solve these financial problems ...NU might sell the stadium to the Chicago Bears and lease it back”. [Archive; ZBA 9/21/76 p. 45 ; O’Meara exhibits ZAC 3:5:6-76]

1971 March 26-28 -- Sport Face tennis tournament. Attendance: 4000 on 1^stday; 5000 on 2^nd day; 6000 on 3^rd day [archive- case 13-71-A tennis packet]

1971 March -- NU appeals to hold professional football games for 2½ to 4½ years. On March 22, appeal is withdrawn by NU’s business manager. [Archive; ZBA case 12-71-A, Evanston interdepartmental memo 1976]

1971 April 20 -- NU appeals for a variation to permit future professional tennis matches at McGaw Hall. NU’s attorney states that the application for a variation has its genesis in the Bears situation. NU & Evanston agree that “this action by NU would not establish a precedent nor would it constitute a waiver by either party of any rights”. City Council does not act on NU appeal. [Archive; Evanston interdepartmental memo 1976; Circuit Court: NU vs Evanston 12/4/1976]

1971 June 1-- ZBA approves above NU appeal: “to be allowed to hold prof. tennis matches”. NU claims: huge NU deficit & no substantial difference between non-professional & professional events. [Archive]

The decision is delayed all the way to 1977, when it is denied by the City Council. NU falsely states in their Circuit Court 1976 appeal that the tournament occurred September 1971. [Archive]

1972 March 30 -- IL Supreme Court judges in favor of NU maintaining its tax free status in the case People Ex Rel. CTY. Col. V Northwestern University. [Archive] [1]

1972 late May -- 2^nd annual Spring Thing Carnival & Rock Music Festival (NU campus) cancelled, after at least 25 people injured: “large group of non-students involved” in a rock and bottle throwing clash. [Archive; ZBA 81-48-SU(R); Chicago Tribune 5/28/1972]

1972 August -- Roller Derby proposed at U2 facility [McGaw or Stadium?], by Harold Silen of Bay Promotions Inc (Oakland, CA) to NU Assistant Athletic Director, Waldo Fisher. [Archive; ZBA 9/21/76 p. 45; O’Meara exhibits ZAC 3:5-6-76]

1973 -- McGaw Hall capacity: 7013. [14] [Archive source states c. 8,000].

1973 -- McGaw Hall rock concerts are organized by Amazingrace: Rod Stewart on April 26, and The Grateful Dead on November 1^st.

1973 November 6 -- City of Evanston notifies NU that it was violating a zoning regulation prohibiting commercial business operations on University land. The City asserts that Amazingrace, by purveying food & entertainment to customers from well beyond the NU community, is no longer a student operation, but a commercial enterprise. [22]

1974 February 19 -- A set-up for a closed circuit TV with a stipulation for a rock concert at U2 [McGaw Hall or Stadium?] is proposed by Richard Colton of First Entertainment Network to NU’s Mr. Waldo Fisher [Archive; ZBA 9/21/76, p.45 & list of events Zac file 10/20/1976]

1974 October -- International Track Meets is proposed for U2 [McGaw Hall or Stadium?] by 3-M group to NU athletic director Tippy Dye. [Archive; ZBA 9/21/76, p. 44]

1974 -- Virginia Slims ladies tennis proposal for a February one week tournament at McGaw Hall is denied by Evanston City. [Archive; ZAC15-10/3/74 - 11/7/1974 ZAC, p. 6]

1975 July 31 -- Jim Terrill of the International Track Association approaches Mr. Robert Kurz of NU re. U2 use [McGaw Hall or Stadium?]. [O’Meara’s exhibits ZAC 3:5-6-76]

1975 October 3 -- Irwin Mandel, the Controller for the Chicago Bulls approaches Robert Kurz of NU to use McGaw Hall. [Archive; ZBA 9/21/76, p. 44; O’Meara’s exhibits ZAC 3:5-6-76]

1975 -- Dyche Stadium capacity: 55,000 [Archive; ZBA application 11/251/75; Circuit Court case memo] [20] McGaw Hall capacity: 11,226 [20] vs capacity: 7013 [14]

1975 November -- Beach Boys concert at McGaw Hall. [24] On November 11, at the NU’s president’s weekly staff meeting, Mr. Carlton reports: “the Beach Boys Concert went off with no arrests and very little damage.” [Archive; ZBA 9/21/76, O’Meara testimony] However, at the 1976 ZBA residents testify that: “individuals showed up ...very early in the morning, and lines developed along the entire west side of Dyche Stadium, all the way from McGaw Hall to Central St. ... later on in the afternoon, the same thing happened...really quite unbelievable, chasing people out of the bushes, defecating in the corners, and stuff like that...It clearly to me demonstrated the fact that Northwestern could care less”. [ZBA 9/21/76] “That kind of disregard for the people who live there certainly can’t help the public health or safety.” [Archive; ZBA 9/1/76]

1975 September 5 -- NU files a complaint for declaratory judgement seeking a declaration that the zoning ordinance is unconstitutional and permit NU to host Chicago Bulls vs Milwaukee Bucks at McGaw Hall on 10/18/1975 [Archive: 1977 Appellate Court]

1975 November 21 -- NU files ZBA application for variation seeking authority to use Dyche Stadium & McGaw for professional athletic contests or other commercial purposes . A separate petition is filed with ZBA to amend the zoning ordinance to permit a wide variety of commercial & non-commercial activities. [Archive; memo in support for judgement on the pleadings] [20]

1975 December 8 -- IL Circuit Court dismisses NU attempt to hold Evanston ordinance unconstitutional in order to host Chicago Bulls vs Milwaukee Bucks at McGaw Hall on 10/18/1975. [Archive] [20]

1976 January -- City of Evanston Memo: “In the review of the file on the subject property (U2) we have found that NU has a fifty year lease arrangement with the General Finance Corporation which might be in violation of the Zoning Ordinance. This lease arrangement is being reviewed by the Corporation Counsel and we are waiting for his decision”. What outcome? [Archive; Evanston interdepartmental memo; NU lease]

1976 March -- ZBA issues subpoenas NU for discovery of documents and for depositions at the request of neighborhood residents, and informs NU that its November application for variation would not be heard until the subpoenas were complied with. [Archive; 1977 Appellate Court]

1976 April 5 and 8 -- Lee Stern of the Chicago Sting Soccer Club approaches Mr. Rober Kurz of NU to play at Stadium on June 13,1976. [Archive; ZBA 9/21/76, p. 44-45; O’Meara exhibits ZAC 3:5-6-76; 1977 Appellate Court] [20]

1976 April 19 -- NU files suit in Circuit Court to declare Evanston Zoning Ordinance unconstitutional re Section B – VII.B2 and to permit the Chicago Sting to play a June 13 soccer game at Dyche. In the suit NU associate athletic director, Rober Kurz also asks that the court lift the city’s zoning ban against all professional & commercial events in McGaw Hall & Dyche. “This suit marks the 5^th time that NU and Evanston have gone to court about the ordinance.” [Archive; ZAC 5/6/1976; newspaper article] The case continues on to the IL Supreme Court.

1976 May 6 -- NU submits a Statement of Fact to ZAC. NU states that it: “recognizes that increased frequency of use of its facilities will create some additional burden on the adjoining community... such burdens are easily outweighed by the immense burdens on Northwestern in having potentially revenue-producing facilities remain vacant well over 350 days a year and earning an unreasonably low rate of return” [Archive; ZAC 3:5-6-76 minutes, p. 10] [20]

1976 June 2 – After a six-day trial, Judge Covelli in the IL Circuit Court (re. Barbara & Robert Vander Bosch v NU) stops NU from holding 2^nd Horse Show at Stadium on June 13-18. [Archive; Horse show packet]

1976 July 15 -- Circuit Court quashes the subpoenas requested by Evanston of NU [ Archive; 1977 Appellate Court]

1976 September -- ZAC recommends to the Council to deny NU petition for zoning amendment. ZBA recommends to the Council to deny application for zoning variance.

1976 November 1 -- Evanston Council denies NU’s petition for a variation from the use provisions of the zoning ordinance to allow certain uses [pro-sports] not otherwise allowed at Dyche Stadium and McGaw Hall. [Archive; Evanston interdepartmental memo] and [20] The ZBA testimony reveals that of the roughly 90 businesses on Central St. “With the exception of two hotdog stands..., to a man, they all reported to us that if they are open during any kind of activity at Dyche’s Stadium, they are sure to lose money”. [Archive; ZBA, Mary Sawyers testimony 11/21/1976] Also, the ZBA testimony states: “The introduction of professional sports at a university facility could pose such a great threat to the confidence of the property owners that they wouldn’t keep up the property...Any loss of confidence in the future of the residential area around the university facility could also be reflected in the sales prices of the individual property. Eventually, the deterioration would have its effect upon the assessed valuation of the property, constituting an important part of the tax basis in Evanston & Wilmette.” [Archive; ZBA O’Meara testimony 11/21/1976]

1976 November 11 -- Evanston files a motion in Circuit Court asking that the NU’s pro-sport suit be dismissed for failure to exhaust local &administrative remedies. [Archive; 1977 Appellate Court] [20]

1976 December 21 -- Circuit Court (Judge Arthur Dunne) grants Evanston November 11 motion. [Archive]

1977 January -- NU appeals to Appellate Court, re. Evanston November 11 motion. [Archive]

1977 July 14 -- NU proposed pro tennis match, Loves vs Soviets, found in violation of Zoning Ordinance Sect. Vii.B.2.a. (100-071), prohibiting such use in U2 District. [Archive; notice to NU by the Evanston Standards inspector]

1977 -- IL Circuit Court stops the World Team Tennis Match (WTT), Indiana Loves vs Soviets from playing at McGaw Hall. Three days prior to the Court’s decision, the Bears’ General Manager, Jim Finks states, “right now if there were a necessity [to move during Soldier Fields scheduled renovation] it would be a toss-up between Dyche Stadium and Comiskey Park”. [Archive; Bill Jauss, Tribune]

1977 August 22 -- Evanston City Council reverses the ZBA recommendation and denies NU appeal for variation [case 3-71-A initiated March 1971], from the use of regulations of the Zoning Ordinance to permit professional tennis matches to be played at McGaw Hall. On the basis that the variation would

1. Increase the intensity of the use so as to detract from the essential character of the surrounding residential neighborhood

2. Be injurious to and depreciate the value of other property and improvements in the neighborhood in which it is located due to increased traffic congestion, pedestrian traffic, noise, and litter, all of which would be an unavoidable consequence of the proposed intensification of use

3. Increase the danger of fire and public safety by making it more difficult for emergency vehicles to carry out their functions. [Archive; letter ZBA to NU 9/26/1977]

1977 fall -- The Bears use Dyche Stadium for practice on several occasions. The City of Evanston informs Mr. Ellis, NU senior vice-president of Business & Finance that such utilization of Dyche Stadium is not acceptable and asks for cooperation in the enforcement of the City’s Zoning Ordinance. [Archive; Dept. of Inspections & Permits letter 1/30/1978]

1978 December 4 -- IL Supreme Court (NU v City of Evanston) reverses the Appellate Court and affirms the Circuit Court. The Supreme Court declares that NU failed to exhaust all administrative remedies and points out the “... substantial differences between the impact of a predictable number of intramural or inter-collegiate athletic events and an unpredictable number of commercial athletic events.” [20]

1981-1995

1981 -- McGaw Hall capacity: 7,070. [14]

1981 November -- “Laking” tradition begins: goal posts thrown in lake, at Dyche football game. [6]. Jim Sheffield, NU director of operations: “The vandals were intoxicated, pushing 60-year old ushers and fighting with cops. Half the people had nothing to do with Northwestern. It makes me wonder what kind of crowd we’re attracting.” Ken Kraft, associate director of public affairs, re. goal post incident: “...rather exciting...We don’t want it every time, but it was natural enthusiasm that bubbled over”. [25]

1982 January-March -- Application to ZBA for special use to permit a musical performance (Middle of the Road Concert), attendance limited to 25,000 at Dyche for May 1982. ZBA and Council deny the special use permit. One factor for denial: the mayhem and injuries caused by the 1972 Annual Spring Thing Concert). [Archive; ZBA 81-48-SU(R) packet - Craig Peterson testimony, p.18; Evanston Citizens Zoning Committee statement]

1982 April -- Proposed McGaw Hall major interior remodeling includes NU special use request for 4 new exterior stairwells. NU reason for remodeling: “commitment to become athletically competitive in the Big Ten Conference”. Perry, NU’s attorney on the proposed renovation “will not change the use of the facility at all.

[It] is being proposed as a means to enhance our athletic and recreational programs...to allow for exhibitions in intercollegiate athletics, lectures, commencements, etc.” NU athletic director addresses the residents’ concern:” their real concern was—how many other types of events were we going to plan to hold in McGaw Hall now that we’ve renovated it, and were these new events going to be required by the University in order to recoup the money...I don’t think we won them over to our side completely... but I think we were able to discuss the protection that the City Zoning Ordinance still affords the people in the Dyche Stadium area regarding the special use permit required to have special events inside of the hall—that is, outside of intercollegiate events”. [Archive; ZBA 82-7-SU (R) packet]

1982 June 28 -- City Council passes special use permit for McGaw Hall’s new exterior stairwells. [Archive]

1983 -- Welsh Ryan Arena built as part of McGaw Hall renovation: $6.75 million. The Arena will house NU’s wrestling and basketball & volleyball teams. Capacity: 8,117. [14]

1983 November 23 – City Council grants the 1983 NU application to build a baseball grandstand, press box, batting practice cages & permanent bleachers on the site of existing tennis courts. [Archive; ZBA 83-22-V(F) baseball packet]

1984 May -- Rocky Miller Park "re-dedication". [50]

1984 December 21 -- ZBA grants NU’s application for a variation from the off street-parking regulations of the Zoning Ordinance to permit completion of the baseball grandstand...with 33 replacement off-street parking spaces instead of the 98 spaces required on the property. [Archive; ZBA 83-22-V(F) baseball packet]

1984 December 2 -- Illegal volleyball match (US Olympic Team vs Brazilian National Team) at McGaw Hall: NU’s attorney writes to the Planning & Development Board on January 7, 1985; “at no time did the University knowingly or intentionally proceed with the event in disregard of the Zoning Ordinance...The Athletic Department representatives who knew about the event felt that it would not be in violation of the zoning ordinance”. The City response 1/15/1985: “It is the City’s position that the athletic event in question falls outside of the permitted uses as listed in Section 6-6-5(B)2.a. The subject activity was clearly not intramural or intercollegiate. The City finds no ambiguity in the zoning ordinance as alluded in your letter and wishes to be on record that the subject activity was in violation of the ordinance and that it is expected that no further repetition of such violation will take place.” [Archive; correspondence between NU & City Council, January 1985]

1984 December 3 -- Planning Development Committee approves special use for Home Show at McGaw Hall (March 1985), but denies NU’s multi-year request. [Archive; ZBA 84-27 Home Show packet]

1985 March 22-24 -- Home Show at McGaw Hall (sponsored by Evanston Chamber of Commerce). [26]

1985 September -- After a resident’s complaints of tailgaters’ nuisance behavior to Mr. Ellis, NU installs porta-bathrooms at multiple locations throughout the East Dyche Stadium Parking lot during football games. Some porta-potties are placed a few feet from the resident property line: “an ugly eyesore for us and our visitors”. Since at least 1979 the City code-mandates a 35’ landscaped transition zone, but city officials claim that NU does not need to comply until the east parking lot is renovated. [Archive]

1987 August -- ZBA Hearing re. NU special use application for a two-story addition to the north side of the Byron S. Coon Sports Center, on the site of three existing tennis courts. ZBA member Mr. Balch asks NU representative Perry: “Are you now going to replace those three at some other point on the property...” Mr. Perry answers,” We will abandon those...the opening (in the fall) of our sports/aquatic center on the Lakeville portion of the campus [which] will contain interior tennis courts that can be used for that purpose. In addition, we also have existing courts along Sheridan Rd.: “Do you have any other expansion plans for this part of the campus?” NU: “No...I think that once that [the baseball project] is completed everything here is pretty well up to the state as to what we’re looking for in terms of athletic facilities in that area.” [Archive; Ordinance 75-0-87; 8/31/1987]

1991 December 27 – Evanston Council grants NU special use permit to erect a pneumatic building over three existing tennis courts from September to May each year for existing athletic programs at 1501 Central Street. At the ZBA (12/21/1991), NU stresses that the enclosed bubble is needed for intercollegiate team practice, as the lakefront facilities are inadequate, and reassures the ZBA that the Johnson Center tennis bubble will not be used as a competitive facility. Re. life span of the structure, NU attorney Mr. Perry says: ... hopefully 15-20 years”. Chainman Bleveans: “Are there any long term plans to build a permanent all-weather structure there?” Perry: “Not at his time, no. That’s why we’re going with this particular proposal.” [Archive; ZBA 91-32; ordinance 3-O-92; Bubble packet]

1992 January 28 -- Zoning special amendment re. Tennis Bubble granted [Archive; ordinance 3-0-92; Bubble packet]

1994 May 23 -- NU director of Athletics & Recreation, Mr. Taylor sends a letter to Dyche Stadium neighbors re. proposed erection of an indoor facility: ”Since an indoor facility will not be used for competition, we believe the impact such a facility might have upon the neighborhood would be minimal”. [Archive; Plan Commission, 2/27/1996, p. 32]

1995 -- NU’s 1995 WildCats brochure that lists the 1995-6 NU Women’s Tennis Roster: “The Johnson Tennis Center [Bubble] is Phase I of a two phase plan to provide NU with the very best in indoor tennis facilities. Plans for Phase II call for an 8 court permanent building, including spectator seating, locker rooms, and office space”. [Archive; part of 1996 packet]

1996-2019

1996 January -- IMG and NU file an application to amend the Evanston Zoning Ordinance to list professional indoor tennis events limited to a maximum of 7 consecutive days, as a special use in the U2 District (Ameritech Tennis tournament). [Archive; 1996]

1996 February 27 -- On being questioned whether there is a management goal of NU to expand uses of the Welsh-Ryan Arena...to include professional venues & events, Jack Friedman, NU director of athletic facilities & operations states: “No. We don’t –NU is not in the business of generating revenue with their buildings.” [Archive; ZBA 2/27/96, p. 56]

1996 -- Dyche Stadium capacity: 48,187. [11]

1996 June -- City Council denies NU special use amendment petition to the Zoning Ordinance, re. Ameritech pro-tennis tournament. Residents & 85 businesses oppose the NU petition. [Archive; 1996]

1996 August -- NU Director of Athletics, Rick Taylor announces the structural renovation of Dyche stadium to the stadium neighbors. He provides a “Dyche Stadium Renovation” list of questions and answers that includes the following: “Is this project being done so that professional sports can be played in Dyche Stadium? Absolutely not. The renovation is intended to improve a facility for intercollegiate athletic events and to make Dyche Stadium more comfortable for those who enjoy watching our student athletes. The use of the athletic complexes will remain consistent with zoning ordinances”. And: “Will there be night games at Dyche Stadium? No, we do not intend to play night games”. [Archive]

1996 August 10 -- Without an Evanston certificate of compliance, NU rents the west parking lot to Mercedes Benz to showcase their latest luxury cars. Non-professional drivers test acceleration times and handlings all along the border of the lot. After repeated neighbors’ complaints, the Zoning Administrator, Mr. Wolinski issues a warning letter to NU about the Zoning Ordinance violation and states that “Failure to remedy this situation will result in the Zoning Administrator issuing a citation”. [Archive; NEW]

1996 Fall -- $30 million campaign for Athletic Excellence to build new athletic facilities, renovate & repair existing facilities (including structural & other improvements to the Stadium), and to fund construction of the Trienens Multi-Purpose Indoor Practice Facility (opened Fall 1996). [46] [45]

1997 Fall -- Stadium is renamed Ryan Field. Field is lowered by 5.5 feet. Cost $30 million. Capacity: 47,330. [28] or 47,130 [11]

1999 -- Fair Share Action Committee unsuccessfully lobbies NU to make a PILOT contribution (in lieu of taxes) of $15 million annually for the city. [4]

2000 -- 80% of Evanston vote yes on non-binding resolution to make NU pay its “fair share.” [4] The Independent Senior Citizens of Evanston float a plan to de-annex NU from Evanston proper. Alderman Ann Rainey [Chicago Tribune], “We couldn't divorce Northwestern. It's an intricate part of this community". Rainey [Chicago Sun-Times], “What I’d like to do is carve Sheridan Rd and have [NU] float away into Lake Michigan and maybe attach itself to Waukegan.” [29]

2002 September 11 -- IL District Court, Northwestern v City of Evanston, “Northwestern alleges this dispute led the City to include two large parcels of land containing numerous University properties in an historic preservation district in an effort to pressure the University to make such [tax property] contributions [to offset the cost of services provided by the City]”. [48]

2002 -- Combe Tennis Facility on Lake Campus: 6 tennis courts, gym & track. Cost: $10 million. [27] [30]

2005 summer -- Anderson Hall renovation, east of McGaw Hall (42-year-old Anderson Hall was torn down February, 2004). $9 million cost; 35,000 square-foot two-story building with a rooftop patio for game-time gatherings. Ken Kraft Wrestling Complex is housed on the lower level (basement). The former wrestling room size almost doubled. [51]

2007 -- 7 NU football games & homecoming parade required traffic control & code enforcement -- 14 arrests; 1,109 parking tickets issued; 58 vehicles towed. [31]

2008 -- 7 Northwestern football games required traffic assistance -- 14 arrests; 1,239 parking tickets issued; 65 vehicles towed. [31]

2009 & 2010 -- 7 NU football games required traffic assistance -- 3 Arrests; 1,136 Parking Tickets Issued; 411 Vehicles Towed. [31]

2010 August -- What a lakefront stadium might look like. NU considered such a move, but rejected it based on cost, logistics, and several other reasons. [31]

2011 -- 7 NU football games required traffic assistance -- 1 Arrest; 435 Parking Tickets Issued; 435 Vehicles towed. [31]

2011 -- First season in NU history with two night games on Central Street. Of all 26 night games (1935-2018), all but 5 were after the Ryan Field renovation. In August, 1996 NU had promised Stadium neighbors: “No we do not intend to play night games”. [Archive] [5]

2012 -- 7 NU football games required traffic assistance -- 4 Arrests; 358 Parking Tickets Issued; C & Y Tickets 26; 45 Vehicles Towed. [31]

2013 -- 7 NU football games required traffic assistance: 4 Arrests; 400 Parking Tickets Issued; 62 C & Y Tickets; 42 Vehicles Towed. [31]

No data regarding NU football games incidents is published in the police reports after 2013. Why?

2014 fall -- Wildcats’ Rocky and Berenice Miller Park stadium major renovation. NU coach Paul Stevens: “There’s been a big push around here since probably ’95 to start upgrading facilities on all levels in every sport... hopes the improvements will increase attendance”. Stadium capacity: 600 seats [32] [50]

2016 -- Ryan Field West Parking lot “... better place to tailgate, gather, stroll and park... Alleyway improvements including... landscape screening”. [33] NU does not complete the landscape screening in the manner it had agreed to during negotiations with the City & neighbors. Also, NU locates six of the 8 fence brick supports at the intersections of the three residential streets. Neighbors feel that such placement of the supports could facilitate future removal of the fence in those locations. [Archive; 2019 photographs]

2016 -- Plan Commission meeting to approve NU Baseball scoreboard at Rocky Miller Park. Several Wilmette residents along Isabella corridor voice opposition to the size & illumination of the scoreboard, and the decibel level of the PA system. [Archive; Evanston Roundtable 1/27/2016]

2017 March to 2018 October -- Welsh Ryan $110 million major renovation. It includes the new Trienens Performance Center, with a fieldhouse of three courts constructed inside the existing Trienens Hall. Jim Phillips, vice president for athletics & recreation: “Simply stated, this is a historic moment for the future of NU Athletics”. NU Coach Chris Collins: “... our basketball, volleyball & other Wildcats teams will have a first-class development facility to use 365 days each year...“The Trienens Performance Center is a game changer for the development of our student-athletes.” [34] [14] [44]

2017 Fiscal year -- Big Ten payout to NU: ca. $38.5 million. NU Endowment: 10.5 Billion. [41] NU grand total revenue across all sports: 92.3 million [increase of $60 million since 2003]. Football revenue: $49 million; Men’s basketball: $19.6 million; Men’s golf teams: $335,045; Women’s golf teams: $340,000. [40]

2018 Fiscal year -- Big Ten payout to NU: ca. $54 million [40] NU Endowment: 11.08 billion. [42]

2019 January-April -- By January 6, NU is in communication with the City re. hosting 15 professional sports and for profit events at all their U2 venues. Events capacity would be the same as each venue’s capacity. The first text amendment is filed on February 22, the second on April 12. Only a May FOIA request reveals details of these proposals to a few residents. [Archive; FOIA 2019]

2019 April-May -- At the 7^th Ward community meeting on April 25, NU presents their intention to host for profit concerts at the Stadium and for pro-sports and for profit events at Welsh Ryan arena. Because of residents’ uproar, NU submits to the City a revised text amendment proposal on May 3 that specifies event attendance limited to the capacity at Welsh Ryan Arena (7032), and proposes six single day events and a seventh event which could be a multi-day event. However, the proposal does not specify that events could only be held at the Arena. [Archive; 2019]

2019 June 25 -- At their Community Meeting, Nu states their intent to generate "as much revenue as possible" at their sporting facilities. To that end, they dream of transforming the Ryan complex (Ryan field & arena) into an entertainment mecca, with large scale for profit concerts and professional sporting events. NU also cites a study to convince the audience that alcohol inside the stadium would cause less intoxication than alcohol at tail-gaiting outside the stadium. However, NU fails to mention that tailgaters would have access to alcohol both before and during events. [Archive; 2019]

2019 -- Ordinance 51-O-19 Approval to Amend City Code 3-4-6 : “Classification and License Fees” to create a New Class R-1 Liquor License, to allow for alcoholic beverage sales at Welsh Ryan Arena is open for Action at the City Council. The Ordinance was introduced at the June 10 Council meeting. NU neighbors were not notified about this important introduction of the ordinance ahead of time. [Archive; 2019]

2019 July-August -- NU resurfaces the East Parking lot. The City at first stops NU because residents complain that NU is not correcting the Evanston code violations: absence of a 35’ buffer zone and illegal discharge of storm-water into the residential streets & street sewer. Then the City allows resurfacing and claims NU does not have to address the violations because of a “grandfather” clause. To amend the violations NU would have lost additional parking spaces. [Archive, 2019]

2019 August -- NU presents two more revised proposals to the residents including a sunset clause, that does not provide adequate citizen’s input upon its expiration. In the 5^th proposal NU changes the multiday event to a 7 day event, offers free parking, and removes the word “adequate” parking from the current Ordinance. [Archive, 2019]

2019 September 10 -- At a meeting in the American Legion Hall with NU and the Golf Course Board, neighbors voice their anger about not having been told about NU’s football parking expansion to the 3^rd Hole on the Golf course.

2019 September 11 -- The Plan Commission disregards the residents’ data, concerns and the signatures of over 800 residents and 61 businesses opposed to the text amendment. The Plan commission asserts that Standards are met, despite the obvious negative impact on the neighborhood generated by the proposed additional 13 events, and the inadequate U2 parking. The vote is in favor of the text amendment. On the same date the Design and Project Review Committee votes against St. A’s proposal to add 8 parking spaces for their Church and School, on the grounds it would negatively impact the neighborhood!

2019 November 11 -- By a 5-4 vote, over continued opposition from citizens throughout Evanston Council passes Ordinance 135-O-19 with language providing that the provisions in the amendment will expire on December 31, 2021, and the expired amendment "shall not create a precedent for future uses in the U2 District." The Council expresses the understanding and agreement that, if NU seeks to continue to host commercial entertainment or professional sports events after that, it must submit a new application to the City and go before the Plan Commission again as with any other proposes ordinance. Alderman Revelle refers two matters to staff: the creation of a formal impact assessment of the events held by NU under the new ordinance, and a special parking district on event days for residents of the neighborhood near the U2 District.

2020-21

2020 March -- The Covid pandemic begins; public gatherings are curtailed. NU does not apply for any special events; City staff does not develop or implement a final plan on either of the items referred by Alderman Revelle.

2021 April 26-- NU requests the permitted uses be extended an additional two years [from December 31, 2021 to December 31, 2023] due to the inability to utilize the permitted use because of COVID-19 and restrictions on event gathering. P&D defeats the introduction of Ordinance 46-O-21, that would have been "amending the City Code to extend the expiration date of permitted uses within the U2 zoning district".

2021 May 10 -- NU requests the permitted uses be extended an additional one-year [from December 31, 2021 to December 31, 2022]. Ordinance 53-O-21 is introduced in the 80th Council meeting, minutes before the new 81st Council is inaugurated.

2021 June 14 -- Evanston Council defeats Ordinance 53-O-21. Alderman Braithwaite is the only vote in favor of the amendment, the other 8 alderpersons vote against the one-year extension of NU's pilot.

ADDENDUM

Dr. John Evans: One of NU’s founders, NU board president for 42 years, many of them while living out of state. 1862-1865: Governor of the Colorado Territory. Sanctioned & removed from office after Congress investigates the 11/29/1864 Cheyenne Indians Sand Creek Massacre. Col. John Chivington, Gov. Evans’ right-hand man, essentially engineered the massacre during a series of peace talks. [35] “...for a long stretch the University participated in and perpetuated a collective amnesia that not just disconnected John Evans from the massacre but erased it entirely. No one at Northwestern seemed to notice or record Evans’s refusal to condemn the massacre and the shameful way he minimized and justified it ... Just as the University has gained from his actions and his gifts, it also has benefited from his good reputation ... Northwestern has neglected its and every other university’s fundamental commitment to discovering and discussing the truth, including about itself. [49]

Alcohol: 1900: National Women’s Christian Temperance Union settles in Evanston. 1933: National prohibition ends. 1934: November Evanston referendum passes own temperance law. Evanston stays dry until 1972. [2]

Robert Sheppard: NU’s business manager & lumber donor. [5]

William Dyche: NW graduate, 1894 elected to NWU Board of Trustee member, 1895 Evanston mayor for one term; 1903-1934 NWU business manager.1934 NWU Counselor. [36]

James A. Patten: former Evanston mayor, philanthropist, commodities broker, and NU Board of Trustees president. 2010 NU Gymnasium named after him. [12]

Patrick G. Ryan: NU alumnus; AON Corp. founder, Chairman of NU Board of Trustees. Over 30 years as a trustee. Ryan led the 1982 Athletic Facilities Campaign to upgrade NU's Intercollegiate Athletic Facilities. [37]

Roscoe Miller: 1949-1969 President of NU; Fundraising campaign greatly exceeds goal of $8.25 million. [43]

Howard Trienens: NU trustee & NU alumnus. 1980 - 1986 vice president & general counsel for AT&T. [44]

Amazingrace Coffeehouse: After settling in Shanley Hall (Fall 1972), Amazingrace organizes concerts at other venues such as Cahn Auditorium. McGaw Hall was used for the concerts of Rod Stewart [4/26/1973] and The Grateful Dead 11/1/1973. “In late 1974, after years of disagreement and conflict with both NU and the City of Evanston, Amazingrace severed ties with NU... and also fragmented as a group”. Amazingrace moves to the Main, 845 Chicago Ave. In 1978 Amazingrace goes out of business. [22]

“Laking” The Goal Posts (1981-1991) ...1950’s -1960’s traditions of storming the field after a big win, or climbing the posts, or tearing them down. The curious and unique tradition of actually throwing the posts in Lake Michigan began with the infamous 1981 MSU game, when NU broke the NCAA losing streak record. Most of the goal post pieces, after a nice soaking, eventually made their way into fraternity houses as barroom centerpieces. [25]

A&O: Student organization that has been bringing concerts to McGaw Hall & Welsh Ryan Arena. [23]

Lakefill: (James Roscoe Miller Campus) 1962-1964 construction. Cost: 6.5 million. Primary purpose: provide land for NU expansion by extending E edge of NU campus 1,000’ into Lake Michigan. Lakefill increases NU’s educational land holdings from 85 to 159 acres. NU buys 152 acres of lake-bottom from IL State for $100 an acre & fills in part of the acreage to create an additional 74 acres of land for NU to build on. In 1968, ten more acres of land are filled in on S edge of the Lakefill for a permanent parking garage.

More than two million cubic yards of sand are used for the site. “Unknown to University officials, the contractors for the project were using sand from a site near Indiana Dunes State Park that activists wished to preserve as part of a new national park. The Save the Dunes Council appealed to NU to void its agreement with the contractors and find another source of sand for the lakefill. University officials felt they had done nothing wrong, and knew that they could not legally back out of their contracts”. [38]

Senator Paul Douglas accuses NU of “being complicit in an act of environmental vandalism”. [19]

Stadium attendance:It is interesting to note the different yearly attendance figures, from 1905 to 2019 for the home games at the various incarnations of Northwestern's football stadium. http://hailtopurple.com/cde/attendance_annual.html